PAUL SMITH has cranked up the pressure for places in Gillingham’s side at Cardiff on Saturday by declaring himself “fit and sharp” after completing Wednesday’s reserve game at Wycombe.

The club captain is hoping for a place on the bench at Ninian Park after emerging from what he described as an injury nightmare.

Wednesday’s match marked a personal celebration for Smith who played 90 minutes for the first time since the club’s goalless draw at Coventry on April 26.

The following Sunday, on the final day of the League season, he tore a cartilage in his right knee after colliding with Crystal Palace goalkeeper Andy Kolinko.

With Rod Wallace, another long-term injury casualty playing for 75 minutes at Wycombe, Gillingham supporters are closer than ever to discovering what player-manager Andy Hessenthaler considers to be his strongest team.

Striker Marlon King is fit after a seven-month absence and with striker Tommy Johnson completing a three-match suspension on Saturday, Gillingham are close to firing on all cylinders.